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European standard won't stop RFID

Fears that radio regulations will hold back tagging technology unfounded, says standards body

Differences in standards between Europe and the US will not hold back the adoption of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, according to standards body e.centre.

Concerns had been raised that European radio regulations could compromise RFID use across the continent, negating the benefits of the technology.

But according to e.centre, the European power levels expected to be approved should enable European firms to closely emulate US reader systems.

Andrew Osbourne, chief technology officer at e.centre, said retailers and suppliers should not let standards fears stall widespread adoption of the technology.

"There is a lot of confusion about the power and frequency of RFID tags and readers and this needs to be addressed," he said in a statement.

"However, there is a clear timetable for European frequency and power regulations to be finalised both at a continental and country level. This means that tags can move internationally and be easily read."

European regulation of power levels will be resolved later this year, but e.centre expects them to be likely to allow operation at 2W effective radiated power level, 90 per cent of the range of the 4W equivalent isotropic radiated power level allowed in US readers.

Power levels affect the distance at which tags can be read, e.centre said, so the proposed regulations will enable tags to operate in the 865-868MHz band.

The same tags will also work in the 902-928MHz range used in North and South America and in the bands expected to be used in China and Japan.

Osbourne added: "What is important is that both retailers and suppliers get ready for the arrival of RFID.

"They should run pilot schemes within those power ranges and frequencies and find which products and systems work best for them ahead of a full deployment."